Attendance

 

If a pupil cannot attend school because of illness or other circumstances parents should in the first instance phone the school before 9.00am to explain the reason for absence. A written explanation confirming the absence should be sent in on the child’s first day back at school.

 

If parents intend to withdraw their child from school for any reason they must complete the relevant Absence Request Form available from the school office. Where possible, requests for absence should be submitted at least one week in advance of the proposed date(s).

 

The Scottish Executive has issued new guidelines which require us to categorise the majority of family holidays taken during term time as Unauthorised Absence.  This includes holidays which overlap the beginning or end of term.  It is only acceptable for the school to authorise family holidays taken during term time under exceptional circumstances, such as:

 

‘A family holiday judged to be important to the wellbeing and cohesion of the family following serious or terminal illness, bereavement or other traumatic events.’

 

Parents will be informed by letter if their child has an unsatisfactory attendance record.  If the high absence rate continues the school must inform the Social Worker and Director of Education.

 

The forms that require to be completed prior to taking a child out of school during term time can be requested from the School Office.

Pupil Conduct

 

A partnership between the school and parents is required in order to ensure the best possible standard of pupil conduct. Pupils are expected to set themselves high standards in appearance and behaviour. The general aim is to produce an atmosphere of friendly cooperation, encouraging respect and consideration for others.

 

We have a positive approach to discipline by encouraging and rewarding good behaviour.  As part of our nurturing school ethos we promote a restorative and solution orientated approach. This involves the children identifying what went wrong and how to move forward from the incident. In particular, they take into consideration how the other person is feeling.

 

The School’s aim is to produce an atmosphere of friendly co-operation, encouraging respect and consideration for other people and property. In general, respect for people, school buildings, furniture and equipment is expected at all times. Strict observation of the rules concerning Health and Safety is essential. It is expected that pupils observe rules and discipline procedures of the school and co-operate with their peers and the staff to enhance the quality of life within the school. School rules are relatively simple and few in number to allow for the smooth running of the school.

 

Where there are concerns about behaviour parents are invited to come along to the school to discuss issues further.